Dietary Accommodations at Whitman College

Whitman College is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible dining experience for all students. We understand that some students may have dietary needs related to a documented disability that require reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to campus dining services.

Residential Meal Plan Requirement

All students living in residence halls are required to participate in a resident meal plan. However, Whitman recognizes that some students may need special dietary accommodations due to medical or disability-related conditions. Accommodations are individualized and handled on a case-by-case basis. If you have special dietary requirements or food allergies, please indicate these in your housing application.

Dining Services at Whitman

Bon Appétit is Whitman College’s dining services provider, offering a diverse and inclusive dining environment. Our culinary team is experienced in accommodating a wide variety of dietary restrictions, including:

• Dairy-free
• Lactose-free
• Peanut-free
• Gluten-free
• Sesame-free
• Soy-free
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

For more detailed information and resources, visit the Bon Appétit website.

Dietary Accommodation Request Process

Step 1: Meet with Bon Appétit

Students are encouraged to first meet with Bon Appétit’s dietary accommodations team to discuss their needs and explore available options. Bon Appétit offers one-on-one consultations and has Certified Dietitians available to support students with specialized dietary requirements.

Contact Bon Appétit at Whitman College:
345 Boyer Ave., Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509-527-5429
Email: Shannon Null, General Manager, shannon.null@cafebonappetit.com

Step 2: Submit a Request for Accommodation

If Bon Appétit’s accommodations are insufficient to meet your documented dietary needs, you must submit a formal request through Disability Access Services (DAS).

• Complete the Dietary Accommodation Documentation Form with your healthcare provider.
• Submit the form and any supporting documentation through the Accommodate portal or email to DAS at das@whitman.edu.
• Schedule and attend an intake meeting with DAS to discuss your dietary needs.
• After the intake, DAS will coordinate a meeting with Bon Appétit to explore reasonable accommodations.

Important Notes on Meal Plan Accommodations

• Removal from the mandatory meal plan is only granted for documented disability-related reasons, after all reasonable alternatives have been considered.
• Requests based solely on dietary preferences will not be accommodated.
• Bon Appétit strives to accommodate most dietary restrictions through their offerings.
• Bon Appétit will inform DAS if they are unable to provide the necessary accommodations.
• Approved accommodations are valid for one academic year and require annual renewal.

Disability Information and Documentation Requirements

To qualify for dietary accommodations related to a disability, the condition must meet the ADA and Rehabilitation Act definitions:

• A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
• Documentation must clearly demonstrate how the condition substantially limits your ability to access campus dining.
• Documentation should be recent, detailed, and provided by a qualified healthcare professional (not a family member).
• Documentation must be typed or legible on professional letterhead with license details, diagnosis (including DSM-5 codes if applicable), and a description of functional limitations.
• Recommended accommodations may be listed, but final decisions are made by DAS staff after intake and review.

How to Apply for Dietary Accommodations

1. Apply or register with Disability Access Services if you have not already done so.
2. Log into the Accommodate portal to submit a Supplemental Accommodation Request for dietary needs.
3. Upload the completed documentation form and any supporting medical records.
4. Attend the scheduled intake meeting with DAS.
5. Participate in a follow-up meeting with Bon Appétit to finalize accommodations.

Contacts

Disability Access Services
Whitman College
345 Boyer Ave.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509-527-5429
Email: das@whitman.edu

Bon Appétit Dietary Accommodations
Shannon Null, General Manager
Phone: 509-527-5429
Email: shannon.null@cafebonappetit.com

Last updated: 8/21/2025